The Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court has released the full text of its death sentence ruling against Ajaj Ahmad Hardan al-Tikriti.

Ajaj al-Tikriti’s Trial and Sentencing

Following hearings held on May 7 and May 14, 2026, before the Baghdad Court of Cassation in its second session, the court sentenced Ajaj al-Tikriti to death by hanging for genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Kurdish detainees at the Nugra Salman Fortress.

Details of the Court’s Decision

The released ruling states that the Supreme Criminal Court convened on May 14 under the presidency of Saad Khazal and issued the death sentence against Ajaj Ahmad Hardan al-Tikriti.

The decision was issued under the provisions of Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court Law No. 10 of 2005 and Articles 421, 422, 423, and 424 of Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, as well as Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the same law.

The ruling details crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, killing detainees through starvation and dehydration, torture to death, concealment in mass graves, enforced disappearance, looting of detainees’ property and that of their relatives and children, and sexual assault against detained women in the Nugra Salman area.

The total number of victims was 1,680 individuals. The court described the acts as part of an organized criminal plan targeting Kurds who survived the Anfal campaigns. The defendant’s detention period was recorded from July 30, 2025, to May 13, 2026.

Appeal and Legal Procedures

According to the second paragraph of the ruling, all case documents will be automatically referred to the Court of Appeal for review within 10 days of the decision. The defendant retains the right to appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal within 30 days starting from the second day after the ruling is issued.

Right to Compensation for Claimants

The ruling also states that plaintiffs and civil claimants are entitled to pursue compensation claims in civil courts after the judgment becomes final.